Uganda to set up geothermal energy entity

UGANDA will start a geothermal resources department in the ministry of energy and mineral development to develop underground energy for electricity production. Geothermal energy is the heat from the earth and is recognised as renewable energy resources like hydro-power and biomass.

The existence of recent volcanic activity in the western rift valley makes the region ideal for geothermal energy due to relatively high heat flow rates in the area.

“In order to fast track the development of geothermal energy, the Government is establishing a geothermal resources department,” Vincent Kato, the principal geologist in the department of geology survey and mines, said.